Using Autopatch on DFMA Repeaters

Repeaters
Using Autopatch on DFMA Repeaters

Autopatch lets you make phone calls through the repeater when you don’t have cell service. Available on DFMA repeaters at Hillsborough and TV Hill. You must identify with your callsign before and after every use — failure to ID may result in disconnection by a control operator.
Personal autopatch
Requires a radio with a DTMF keypad including * and # keys.
  1. 1
    ID with your callsign.
  2. 2
    Press PTT and dial * 919 XXX-XXXX or * 984 XXX-XXXX without releasing PTT mid-sequence — any interruption will abort the call.
  3. 3
    When connected, tell the other party the call is public and half-duplex — only one person can speak at a time, and your signal has priority.
  4. 4
    You are limited to 3 minutes.
  5. 5
    To disconnect: press #, then ID.
Non-personal use of autopatch is not permitted under FCC Part 97 rules. If cell service is available, use it instead.

Emergency autopatch
  1. 1
    ID with your callsign.
  2. 2
    Press PTT and dial * 911 (Durham County) or * 910 (Orange County). See the DFMA Repeater Guide for other counties.
  3. 3
    When connected, advise the dispatcher you are calling via ham radio relay — their location display will show the repeater site, not the emergency location. Give the actual location verbally.
  4. 4
    Call is half-duplex — only one person can speak at a time.
  5. 5
    To disconnect: press #, then ID.

Durham's Ham Radio Club